Snow disruption overloads travel update websites

England's travel and weather information websites are set for a busy day, with heavy snow falling across much of the country overnight.

Oliver Garnham
February 2, 2009

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England's travel and weather information websites are set for a busy day, with heavy snow falling across much of the country overnight.

The south-east was the hardest hit, although those travelling in others areas have also been advised to check online before setting off on their journeys.

The Highways Agency's website has warned drivers in the south east to consider whether their journeys are completely necessary, and said snow showers will continue to affect the east of the country throughout the morning rush hour.

"More persistent and heavier snow will spread north across central and eastern areas during the afternoon and evening," says a note on the Highways Agency's website.

Those planning to take the train to work should check National Rail for an update on services in their area, although the site was struggling to cope with heavy demand at 8:30am.

"It is unsurprising that the national transport network has once again ground to a halt after a few inches of snow. However, what is surprising is that transport sites such as nationalrail.co.uk are still failing to build in the capacity to cope with the extra visitors to the site during these weather conditions.

Although some sites, such as the Transport for London website were operating normally, many were slow, unresponsive or completely unavailable.

It is unacceptable that the rail websites go down when travellers need them the most. This pressure is not difficult to forecast and companies should build in the capacity to cope with these surges in usage," said Thomas Herbert, product manager, Hostway.